Children and youth mental health: signs and symptoms

Mental health in children and youth

Approximately 1 in 5 children and youth in Ontario has a mental health challenge. About 70% of mental health challenges have their onset in childhood or youth. That’s why early identification and intervention is so critical and can lead to improved achievement in school and better health outcomes in life. Find more general mental health resources through this ONLINE TOOLKIT.

Signs of a mental illness:

Many children and youth will exhibit different moods, thoughts and behaviours at various times that can be part of normal childhood development. These include:

When children and youth have a physical illness or injury, parents seek professional help and get them the medical attention they need. When children and youth have symptoms of a mental illness, they need their parents to respond in the same way.

Most mental health issues of adulthood have their beginnings in these earlier years. Remember, it’s important to pay attention to early signs and symptoms and get help soon.

What parents/caregivers can do:

Listen to your instincts if you are worried about your child. Collect as much information as you can. You are probably in the best position to know if your child’s behaviour requires further attention. Arrange to meet with a well-trained and trusted professional.

It can be confusing trying to tell the difference between symptoms of mental illness and normal challenges that all kids experience from time to time. As parents, you can use observable behaviours to help decide what action you need to take by:

circling the behaviours from the list that concern you (especially those lasting a few weeks or more)

speak to your child regarding your main concerns (no more than 3 and keep it brief)

listen to their response for an uninterrupted 3 minutes if you can

let your child know you will help work out difficult issues together

Arrange to meet with a trusted and trained professional to discuss your concerns and how to access help. You don’t have to do this alone. Help is available.

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